Discover how Comic Artist Dominic Glover jump started his digital art career by selling his car to buy a Wacom Cintiq.
Before the Anime and Comic Convention, the officially licensed art prints, and the long lines at my convention booth—there was a moment that changed everything:
I sold my car, my Xbox, and all my video games… just to buy my first drawing tablet.
Hi, I’m Dominic Glover, and this is how my career as a digital artist began.
Selling My Car for a Dream: The Wacom Cintiq 12WX ($999.95)
Back in 2013, I was just starting to take digital art seriously. I wanted to go all in, but I didn’t have the tools. So I made the leap.
I sold everything I could and bought the Wacom Cintiq 12WX for $999.95.
This 13.3” display tablet had a full 1920×1080 HD screen, 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity, and the Wacom Pro Pen, which offered real precision for linework, shading, and detail. It was my first time drawing directly on screen—a total game-changer.
That tablet was the turning point in my creative career. It helped me go from scanning hand-drawn work to building fully digital pieces with confidence.
Leveling Up: The Wacom Cintiq 21UX ($1,999)
A few years later, after taking on some freelance work and saving up, I leveled up to the Wacom Cintiq 21UX, which originally retailed for $1,999.
This tablet featured a 21.3-inch screen, 1600×1200 resolution, and 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity. It gave me more space to work, better ergonomics, and the ability to produce larger, more detailed illustrations. It truly felt like I was stepping into the world of pro-level digital art.
My First Big Break: Jennifer Dizmang’s The Betrayers
That upgrade was funded by my first big freelance project: illustrating Jennifer Dizmang’s novel The Betrayers: The Dark Souls Series. That was my first paid job as an illustrator—and it meant the world to me.
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Soon after, she hired me again to illustrate her children’s book, Harry Hornacre Makes Good Choices. These early opportunities didn’t just give me experience—they gave me the confidence and resources to keep growing as an artist.
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From Then to Now
Today, people know me from my officially licensed art prints, my original comic series like Monkey with a Katana, and my appearances at anime conventions across the country. But everything I’ve built—the prints, the partnerships, the fanbase—it all started with one tablet and a big risk.
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If you’re thinking about starting digital art, I hope this shows you that the leap is worth it. You don’t need the best gear in the world—just the courage to get started and the commitment to keep going.
Thinking About Getting Your First Drawing Tablet?
If you’re inspired to start your own journey, here are three powerful drawing tablet options for every stage—from beginner to pro. These are tools I’ve used, tested, or trust—and they’re perfect whether you’re just starting or ready to go all in.
(These are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support my art—thank you!)
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- iPad Pro + Apple Pencil – Best All-Around Tablet for Digital Artists
If you want something portable, intuitive, and powerful, the iPad Pro with Apple Pencil is the go-to for digital creatives. It runs Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, and Adobe Fresco flawlessly—and doubles as a productivity machine.
Why artists love it:
- M2 chip for blazing-fast performance
- Ultra-responsive Apple Pencil 2 with tilt + pressure sensitivity
- Seamless workflow with drawing, editing, and sharing
- Perfect for on-the-go sketching or creating full illustrations anywhere
Perfect for: beginners, hobbyists, and pros who want power + portability.
Buy on Amazon (Affiliate link)
SEO keywords: iPad Pro for artists, best tablet for Procreate, Apple Pencil drawing tablet
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- Wacom Movink – Best Lightweight Pen Display for Professionals
The Wacom Movink is Wacom’s thinnest and lightest pen display ever—ideal for pros who want an ultra-portable setup without sacrificing performance. Released in 2023, it features a 13.3” OLED screen with stunning blacks, Pantone® Validated color accuracy, and 100% DCI-P3 coverage.
Why artists love it:
- Ultra-thin (4mm) and under 1 lb
- First Wacom with OLED—vibrant color and true blacks
- Pro Pen 3 with enhanced precision
- Works with Windows, macOS, Android, and ChromeOS via USB-C
Perfect for: artists who travel or work on location and want studio-level performance in a compact form.
Buy on Amazon (Affiliate link)
SEO keywords: Wacom Movink review, OLED drawing tablet, portable pen display
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- Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 – Best Large Pen Display for Serious Professionals
If you want the ultimate digital art experience, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 is a beast. With a massive 27” 4K UHD display, 120Hz refresh rate, Pantone-validated color accuracy, and Wacom’s most advanced Pro Pen 3, this is as high-end as it gets.
Why artists love it:
- Huge 27” 4K screen with 120Hz refresh rate
- Covers 99% Adobe RGB and 98% DCI-P3
- Industry-grade color and sharpness
- Built for long-form illustration, animation, and design workflows
Perfect for: professional illustrators, animators, and studios that want the absolute best.
Buy on Amazon (Affiliate link)
SEO keywords: Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 review, 4K pen display for artists, best tablet for professional illustrators
Note: No matter which device you choose, remember: it’s not about the tablet—it’s about what you create with it.
Let’s Talk
Got your own “first tablet” story? Thinking about switching to digital art? Drop a comment or hit reply—I’d love to hear where you are in your journey. Let’s keep building together.
